Steering

JesseeS · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:59 pm

Hey all, while wheeling at the B2SR I noticed my steering felt a little "loose" for lack of a better term. I have a steering stabilizer but I hear that only hides problems. Does anyone know a way I can get more of a "tighter" feel from my steering? Thanks!

Bass4Runner · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:37 pm

Check your idler arm for looseness.
there is a adjustment on the box to tighten it up.
but check the components for looseness.
tie-rods center link and idler first.
jack up one wheel and do the wiggle test and then the other.

saltus440 · **Joined:** Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:50 am **Posts:** 76

Stock steering or aftermarket? The stock center link does not last long with off-road use.

JesseeS · **Posted:** Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:08 pm

I have stock steering. The idler arm seemed fine but after reading around I feel it might be the center link. But before I blow a good amount of money on that I'll check once again in the morning. Thanks all for the help

daggerdoggie · **Posted:** Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:06 pm

Check your tie rod ends also. I have gone through several over the years of offroading.

Center link, steering gear, Tre's all contribute.

RIXterra · **Posted:** Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:10 pm

I went thru all the issues as well. Even upgraded to the Calmini full steering kit. And that even went on me, so I took the bullet and bought the Total chaos full kit and love every penny spent on it..

k_enn · **Posted:** Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:07 am

Been there, done that. If the centerlink is sloppy, check the idler arm. Slop in the centerlink can lead to extra wear on the idler arm bushings (even with an idler arm brace). Also, it can wear the inner tie rod ends. Just had all of that replaced on my X, and its a lot better.

k_enn

mainechick · **Posted:** Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:09 pm

I currently have this as well and my issues are the inner and outer tie rod ends and idler arm bushings, so I would look into those being the culprits.

DirtySocks · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:58 pm

Two questions:

1. Is a sloppy steering (needing lots of corrections at highway speeds) indication of a worn center link? This is what the dealer said recently. From what I'm ready, sounds about right.

2. The more important question - do I need to worry about ECXC given I don't have much time to change anything? I do have a idler arm brace though.

Thanks!

Constitution · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:49 am

Suresh, I think your best bet is to jack up the front of your X (maybe one side at a time so that the other tire will keep the steering from moving) and try to wiggle your tires from side to side and look to see what's loose. It could be a worn center link, or one or more of the four tie rod ends that are under your Xterra.
As always, be careful not to put your feet or hands under anything that you don't want on top of them if it slips off the jack!

Good luck!

DirtySocks · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:52 am

Thanks, will check that tonight

Steering

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